I've had this on my mind for the last couple of days. My question is, is if it's even possible to start a halal business in the west. The thing that started this whole train wreck in my mind was an fatwa-ish article stating that if you want to start the business, you need to make sure that you don't help someone in sin (e.g. selling tight clothing for men/women, knowing that they also wear it outside).
The reason I want to know is because I want to start a business myself, but if you think about it, EVERYTHING turns haram. Selling refrigerator in the west? Can't do that, people most likely will store things that are haram (e.g. pork). Same goes for phones, TV and even the internet for obvious reasons. Even teaching an American programming could technically be sinful with that thought.
The thing my mind tells me is to simply start a business, even if the chance is high that it will be used for something haram, as I am not a police men that enforces these kind of rules and since trade is allowed in Islam.
The reason I want to know is because I want to start a business myself, but if you think about it, EVERYTHING turns haram. Selling refrigerator in the west? Can't do that, people most likely will store things that are haram (e.g. pork). Same goes for phones, TV and even the internet for obvious reasons. Even teaching an American programming could technically be sinful with that thought.
Unless you are 100% sure that individual will use something halal for something haram because he himself or his character tells you that he will, then you should not sell to this person. However, to sell the halal item does not make the business haram.
However, the article assumes that the customers are Muslims. My customer base will be mostly non-muslims (initially), so what if the customer is not a Muslim?
I've had this on my mind for the last couple of days. My question is, is if it's even possible to start a halal business in the west. The thing that started this whole train wreck in my mind was an fatwa-ish article stating that if you want to start the business, you need to make sure that you don't help someone in sin (e.g. selling tight clothing for men/women, knowing that they also wear it outside).
The reason I want to know is because I want to start a business myself, but if you think about it, EVERYTHING turns haram. Selling refrigerator in the west? Can't do that, people most likely will store things that are haram (e.g. pork). Same goes for phones, TV and even the internet for obvious reasons. Even teaching an American programming could technically be sinful with that thought.
The thing my mind tells me is to simply start a business, even if the chance is high that it will be used for something haram, as I am not a police men that enforces these kind of rules and since trade is allowed in Islam.
Asalaamualaykum
You would have to document all your plans regarding the business and send it to a Mufti. Islamic economics is a VERY complicated issue and from nearly all Aalims I have spoken to, its the one topic they find difficult even in their studies.
There is no person on practically any forum that can give a Halaal answer from just the simplicity of your question as it might entail other issues that render the business Haraam.
If you are serious about really wanting to continue this business then the only way you going to get it 100% Halaal is either by documenting every fact you can and contacting an Aalim OR Speak to an Aalim face to face. It will also be advisable to find a local Aalim as he will be more in touch with the National Law.
Asking the question you are asking now is similar to someone asking to explain the laws of inheritance online.
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